Sky Lanterns national ban

[Conor O'Gorman]

BASC is among 18 rural organisations calling for a national ban on sky lanterns in a joint letter submitted by the National Farmers Union to Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow.

Sky lanterns cause wildfires and kill and injure livestock. Further restrictions on their use are long overdue. Once lit and released they can travel out of control for miles across the countryside and it is left to farmers, gamekeepers and landowners to deal with the litter and damage they cause.

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[sh1kar]

I like them. A great end to a big Guy Fawkes bonfire party and betting on who goes furthest
S

 

[Apthorpe]

Will this cover hot air balloons too?

 

[Greenmist]

While I agree they are a hazard, I think you have your priorities wrong. Firearms licensing is in need of a complete overhaul, medical fee's are a joke.

 

[User00040]

It seems that for once I'm in complete agreement with @Conor O'Gorman as I've worked in some remote places and you would be surprised where shite like this and those helium-filled silvery looking balloons turn up.

Enough crap on the earth already, why add to it with something that could cause a wildfire?

 

[The Singing Stalker]

Yup. Ban them. Complete hazard.

 

[Cootmeurer]

Sky Lanterns are involved in one of my favorite stories - they have a special place in my memory.

While teaching military science I had the mother of one my cadets die on the operating table. He was a wonderful young man and as a tribute we gathered the corps about a month later (when all the traditonal condolence wishers have gone) and had a memorial for his mother.

We released 25 or so and it was really touching for him. But it got better.

Apparently some of the lanterns caught at a strong wind current as zipped off at high speed and were noted by the local UFO spotters. By the next morning the word was out about this multi light UFO event and strange people were showing up in response to the “sighting”

When our cadet was informed he laughed to tears. Apparently his mother was quite the non-believer in UFOs and the people that followed them - and he thought this last bit was the most fitting tribute to his mother tha could be imagined

 

[Scandially]

I found a weather balloon with about 100y of braided nylon attached in a new forestry block and when i got to the end there was another balloon attached. Brian May.

 

[finnbear270]

While I agree they are a hazard, I think you have your priorities wrong. Firearms licensing is in need of a complete overhaul, medical fee's are a joke.

I think we should pay just as much notice to the damage both from both issues, maybe a bit more attention to the firearm one.

 

[Pkiernan]

They should be equipped with GPS that prevents them from leaving the airspace of the Council Estates from which they were released.

 

[Colonel]

I’m in favour of a ban, I wonder how many thatched houses have burnt down because of them.

 

[the_greenman]

Mass balloon releases should also be included, those "in memory of". Aerial fly tipping.

 

[CarlW]

I have no interest in these balloon things; however, I do wonder at people's fascination (including shooters) with seeking bans for activities with which they disagree.

 

[Apthorpe]

I’m in favour of a ban, I wonder how many thatched houses have burnt down because of them.

My guess is zero.

 

[old keeper]

Having actually seen one of these lanterns set fire to a field of hay waiting to be bailed I'm in no doubt, ban the bloody things.

 

[finnbear270]

I have no interest in these balloon things; however, I do wonder at people's fascination (including shooters) with seeking bans for activities with which they disagree.

Carl, some of us that favour particular bans have had a reasoned discussion with themselves, Damage versus Benefit.

 

[Milk no sugar please]

Helium balloons need to stop as well. It’s latent littering and it’s disgusting

 

[foxdropper]

No smiling either ffs .Guessing you all drive derv guzzlers that are messing up the planet quicker than any ballon .
Get your own house in order then start throwing bans about .

 

[finnbear270]

No smiling either ffs .Guessing you all drive derv guzzlers that are messing up the planet quicker than any ballon .
Get your own house in order then start throwing bans about .

Spose U R peddling your bike furiously.

 

[jimmy milnes]

While I agree they are a hazard, I think you have your priorities wrong. Firearms licensing is in need of a complete overhaul, medical fee's are a joke.

100%
Do what I pay for please Conor, not what's easiest
Cheers
James R Milnes
BASC member